PCU Orthopedic Trauma RN
Kansas City, Missouri
Saint Luke's Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU (Orthopedics)

Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU) with orthopedic focus
• Patient Ratios: Typically 1:5; may flex to 1:6 occasionally
• Patient Population: Level 1 trauma experience required; high acuity orthopedic patients including post-op care for orthopedic trauma and overflow surgeries (eyes, gynecology, plastics)
• Procedures/Skills: Total joint replacements, ORIF fractures, laminectomy, hand surgery, bladder suspension, some gynecology and eye surgeries
• High patient turnover with a large volume of daily admissions
• Must be proficient in blood product administration and patient mobility assistance
• Floating: May be required to float within scope to other PCU floors and departments as needed
• Weekend Requirement: 8 weekend shifts per 6-week schedule period (combination of Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
• On-call Requirement: 1-2 weekdays per week and 2 weekends per 13 weeks
• Holiday shifts and Charge RN assignments as needed

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Missouri
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU) with orthopedic specialty, including experience within the last year
• Experience working with Level 1 trauma patients and high-acuity orthopedic patients, including post-op care for orthopedic trauma
• Proficient in blood product administration and patient mobility assistance
• Skilled in IV therapy including starting IVs, peripheral line care and management
• Orthopedic surgical experience including total joint replacements, ORIF fractures, laminectomy, hand surgery, bladder suspension, gynecology surgeries, and some eye surgeries
• BLS and ACLS certifications issued by the American Heart Association
• Trauma experience at Level 1 trauma centers

Work Environment

• Tertiary care hospital, Level 1 Trauma center
• 456 staffed beds
• Electronic charting system: EPIC
• Free parking available
• Special equipment used includes traction devices, bulb syringes, braces, casts, crutches, doppler, walkers, hemovac, midline catheters, Alaris pumps, PCA pumps

Schedule & Hours

• Contract length: 13 weeks
• Weekend shifts required: 8 per 6-week schedule
• On-call shifts: 1-2 weekdays and 2 weekends per 13 weeks
• Floating between units and departments may be required
• No block scheduling accommodation

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Government-issued ID required
• Criminal background check within 6 months, including statewide and nationwide searches
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, must include standard panels
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask testing (N95) required and must be renewed annually
• Immunizations and titers required: Tdap, TB testing, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (with boosters or declinations as applicable)
• Flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season
• Various facility-specific compliance documents including HIPAA acknowledgement, confidentiality form, hand hygiene, dress code, and others must be completed prior to start
• Unit-specific competency exams and skills checklists required and must be updated annually
• References: Two professional references required, preferably supervisors within the last year

Additional Notes

• Must be willing to float to other PCU floors and departments as needed
• Must be able to work holiday shifts and charge nurse assignments as required
• No pending licenses accepted
• Return to work restrictions: No more than 7 days
• Guaranteed minimum hours: 3 shifts per 13 weeks

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with orthopedic trauma and Level 1 trauma experience seeking a travel contract in a high-acuity PCU setting.